“You really, really need to instruct these folks on how to follow directions, write cover letters, apply for jobs. They're lost. So, please, don't bring any more my way.”

Now, that’s unfortunate. Here is a company that has telecommute openings, but you won’t see them advertised because it’s easier for them to just hit pavement and do their recruiting old fashioned way.

If a listing has specific instructions on how to apply, follow them. If you don’t, then first impression you are giving to your prospective employer is that you don’t follow directions.

Even if there are no specific instructions, you should always apply in a professional manner, which brings me to Rule #3….

Rule #3: Always behave in a professional, courteous manner.

Believe it or not, I recently had a complaint from both a company and an applicant when a correspondence over a job opening had escalated into threats and mud slinging.

It all started when applicant sent an email to employer that stated, “Send Info” and nothing more.

This is a common occurrence. While it may seem perfectly acceptable to ask for details, usually those “details” are in job listing itself. A response to a listing should be an application. If you want to ask for more information, interview would be appropriate time. Chances are, if you can’t apply without getting more information it’s due to one of two scenarios: -The listing is really, really vague (and so most likely a scam). -You’re not qualified for this position (if you’re not sure if you’re qualified, then you probably aren’t).

Unless an employer states that they don’t want you to submit a resume, you should always send your resume with a cover letter.

The cover letter should be tailored to position, not a generic version. This may mean that you have to do a little digging, call company, etc. but it really does make an impression. It shows that you are really interested in their company, that you’re resourceful and that you are professional.

Your resume should be up to date, thorough and professional. Have it done by a resume service if possible. It should not contain personal information such as height, weight or a health history. These things have nothing to do with your qualifications and don’t belong on a resume.

Another thing to leave out of a resume is an explanation of why you want to work at home. This is something I see in many of resumes posted in our database. Not only is it unprofessional to include this type of information, but more importantly- employers don’t care.

What they do care about is whether or not you have skills and experience needed to do job and why they should hire you.

Home-based positions are rare indeed. Competition is very high, so you must present yourself as best possible candidate right from start. Following these basic rules will give you a much greater chance of snagging that much coveted telecommute position.

4.Plant seeds and give space to sowers. A green thumb leader knows that it is only through dialogue that ideas can sprout and take root. Instead of jealously guarding “my ideas, my client, my territory”, a leader with an eye toward growing a garden takes no ownership, but rather seeks to find which seeds have merit. Like biblical passage, some seeds will whither on rocks or find little moisture in shallow soil. But others will be carried to places where they flourish.

As for giving space to sower, consider my vagabond tomato plant. Where are unexpected business opportunities which can spring up if allowed to flourish? When newcomers bring ideas from other industries and businesses, are they welcomed, or are they rooted out because “that’s not how we do things here?”

5.Feed different plants differently. Not every plant is fed same thing, yet all plants must eat. My roses need a systemic for rust and mildew, and a topical spray. My oranges just need citrus fertilizer every now and then. A green thumb leader understands truism that “nothing is so unequal as equal treatment of unequals”. Just as each voice has its own unique sonogram, each employee, associate, or stakeholder needs a unique blend of “food”. For some, it’s “numbers”. “Give me numbers and I thrive”. For many, it’s opportunity to learn and advance in knowledge. For others, it’s engaging nature of work itself which offers fulfillment. One size does not fit all.

6.Weeding is back-breaking work. A hula hoe alone will not suffice. It was not enough to turn over soil and think that I had rid my garden of weeds. In fact, because I didn’t bend over and get close enough to ground, I picked up only surface “weeds”. What I really had managed to do was to churn stronger ones into a hiding place where they surfaced stronger and more invasive then ever.

A green thumb leader hates this part of task. It means fact-finding – accountability- and time. Not everything that is “green” belongs in my garden. Not every associate belongs with you. In fact, sometimes firing customers can at times be healthiest long-term fertilizer for a vibrant business.

7.Take time to stop and smell roses. I can get so overwhelmed with “work” of my garden that I forget why I planted it. Just sitting in my garden, seeing my neighbors’ delight when I deliver bouquets to their doors, or smelling fragrance in evening are all reminders I need. Why have you planted your “garden”? Are there people who delight in work of your hands? What is aroma that lingers after you have turned off lights for night?

Here’s wishing green thumbs for all of us – in our gardens and our business.

© 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.